Khalid Ali Aldawsari Ruled Competent to Stand Trial for Terrorist Charge

A 21 year-old former South Plains College and Texas Tech student has been ruled mentally competent by a federal judge to stand trial.

Khalid Ali-M Aldawsari is accused of trying to make a weapon of mass destruction. U.S. District Judge Sam Cummings issued his ruling this morning after prosecutors submitted a report from his psychiatric evaluation. According to the Associated Press, Aldawsari’s attorney offered no comment and asked that the report be sealed. Judge Cummings agreed with the request and scheduled a trial date of April 30 in Lubbock.

Aldawsari was arrested almost a year ago after the FBI tracked purchases of chemicals, and other materials, that could be used to make IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices).

Aldawsari is accused of planning to attack various high-profile targets including targets in New York City and the Dallas home of former President George W. Bush.  Aldawsari entered the U.S. legally via a student visa in 2008. He pleaded not guilty to the charge against him, and his attorneys are planning an insanity defense.